del ‧ i ‧ cate /ˈdelɪkət, ˈdelɪkɪt/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: delicatus ]
1 . needing to be dealt with carefully or sensitively in order to avoid problems or failure:
There’s something I have to speak to you about – it’s a delicate matter.
delicate negotiations
2 . easily damaged or broken SYN fragile :
delicate hand-cut glass
The sun can easily damage a child’s delicate skin.
3 . old-fashioned someone who is delicate is hurt easily or easily becomes ill:
a delicate child
4 . a part of the body that is delicate is attractive and graceful:
Her wrists and ankles were slim and delicate.
her delicate features
5 . made skilfully and with attention to the smallest details:
a plate with a delicate pattern of leaves
6 . a taste, smell, or colour that is delicate is pleasant and not strong:
The wine has a dry delicate flavour.
a delicate pink
—delicately adverb
⇨ ↑ indelicate